Rat-tail sign on barium swallow

Case contributed by Debabrata Maitra
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Dysphagia

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male
Barium
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Rat-tail sign on barium swallow of esophagus.

Case Discussion

Rat-tail sign is defined is as sudden smooth narrowing of terminal esophagus and is typical of achalasia. Also called bird beak sign. However, presence of mucosal irregularity or involvement of more than the most terminal part of esophagus may be indicative of esophageal cancer.

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